Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution President Michael Hill announced this week the institution’s 149th summer assembly will return to its normal schedule and cadence, June 25 through Aug. 28 in 2022.

The decision follows a two-day meeting of the institution’s board of trustees Nov. 5-6. The board reviewed updates on initiatives stemming from the strategic plan 150 Forward, including outcomes for the 2021 season that exceeded projections for both attendance and revenue.

“We were delighted and heartened to see that, even amid the continuing pandemic and our corresponding need to modify programming and enforce health and safety regulations, that patrons returned to Chautauqua in numbers nearing the highest attendance ever,” Hill said.

While institution leaders expect there to remain some health and safety requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, it believes it can safely leverage both indoor and outdoor spaces in a manner similar to previous years. Plans are underway for a robust schedule of lectures, performing arts, religion and recreation activities, with announcements of key speakers and performances starting next week.

HILL RETAINED

At its business meeting Nov. 6, the board voted to retain Hill for the next five years, through 2026. Hill’s new term includes critical dates and celebrations related to the institution’s sesquicentennial in 2024, and ensures that his continued service as president will include nearly all of the 10-year vision for the organization outlined in the 2019-28 strategic plan.

“The trustees continue to be impressed by Michael’s vision and leadership, and by the team he has assembled to thoughtfully steward Chautauqua Institution’s mission, especially amid the historic challenges of the past two years,” said Candace L. Maxwell, chair of the board. “We enthusiastically approved his contract extension in recognition of the many achievements of the past five years, our confidence in his continued leadership and our commitment to providing stability as his administration plans for a particularly important period in the Institution’s history. Guided by the strategic plan, this team has positioned Chautauqua to begin its next 150 years from a place of significant strength and optimism.”

Hill, whose service at Chautauqua began in 2017, is the 18th president of the nearly 150-year-old institution.

“I am deeply grateful for the confidence the Board of Trustees has expressed in my leadership and that of my team through this extension of my service as Chautauqua’s President,” Hill said. “It is a tremendous honor to serve as a steward of this great Institution, and I’m excited about all Chautauqua can accomplish as it heads toward its 150th birthday and beyond. Serving as Chautauqua’s President is a great privilege and responsibility. I look forward to working with all those who love Chautauqua to propel the Institution to an even brighter future.”